While at times reading a bit optimistically about the benefits, a new report by the CTIA – The Wireless Association and BSR, a consulting organization for companies with sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategies, has key takeaways on how wireless technology applications can help produce more environmentally sustainable systems in the U.S.
Titled “Wireless and the Environment: A Review of Opportunities and Challenges” the report focuses on implications of wireless technology in four industries: transportation, energy, agriculture and the public sector.
In agriculture, the report highlights soil moisture monitoring, wireless pasture management, and wireless livestock monitoring systems as measures that would aid in reducing water usage, soil erosion, desertification, and methane gas.
Environmental costs of increased wireless usage are also addressed in the report. With the little likelihood of wireless products decreasing in usage, the report places it on manufacturers and users to “focus on other levels to limit environmental costs.”
These include:
- Reducing the material and energy used in the production process;
- Reducing energy consumed by products while in use;
- Using recycled or other lower impact materials;
- Maximizing the use of existing products and systems;
- And safely reusing, recycling, or disposing of products or components.
Special attention to displaced and unexpected environmental costs are also noted.
To access a PDF of “Wireless and the Environment”, visit www.bsr.org/en/our-insights/report-view/wireless-and-the-environment-a-review-of-opportunities-and-challenges.
